Warning over hoax compensation scam

The National Trading Standards eCrime Team have warned against a new email scam currently circulating.

The latest hoax offers compensation to people affected by another fraudulent fake email, “Microsoft Support Scam”.

The message claims to originate from the “ALL Competition and Consumer Commission” – a fake organisation that doesn’t exist – and may include a made-up quote from Lord Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards.

The emails received so far have been sent from the email address ‘uk.govdepartment_refund98@outlook.com’, and the government department is insisting that anyone receiving any similar email should not respond to it.

The scam could cost you money or put you at risk of identity theft. National Trading Standards eCrime Team have pointed out that no government agency or department in the UK would contact you by email offering compensation and ask for personal information in this way.

You can report any suspected scam e-mails you receive to Trading Standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or through the Citizens Advice website here.